Eddie Jones’ England are red-hot favourites for the Six Nations, tipped to blow away the opposition, stride to another Grand Slam and a Tier One world record winning streak of 19, beating the mark of Steve Hansen’s New Zealand.

This even though the men in white have to come to Cardiff, where Wales have triumphed in five of the last seven times they have taken on the old enemy and demolished them by a record 30-3 four years ago to pinch the European title.

The Red Rose do indeed look a formidable force under Jones, having beaten Australia 3-0 during the summer, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and the Aussies during the autumn and having surged to number two in the world rankings.

But should we really be fearful? Jones himself mischievously claims there are no world class players in his England team and this is by and large the same group of players, remember, who Wales so thrillingly mugged at Twickenham in the World Cup.

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Under the astute coaching guidance of the colourful Australian, England have clearly made enormous strides since then while Wales, at best, have stagnated.

Caretaker coach Rob Howley’s side may have won three of their four fixtures last November, recovering from a roasting by Australia to defeat Argentina, Japan and South Africa but it was uninspiring and failed to convince the Welsh public.

However, on a player for player basis, there remains very little to choose between the likely line-ups if they both perform to their potential and England certainly aren’t the unstoppable force many of their supporters believe.

Andy Howell picks his composite Wales-England team...

15 Leigh Halfpenny v Mike Brown

Leigh Halfpenny (right) and Mike Brown jump for the ball

The feisty Brown is one of the most dangerous attacking full-backs in world rugby but can be put under pressure on the turn.

There’s not much to choose between him and 2013 Lions hero Halfpenny but the latter rarely makes mistakes and provides the added boost of being a top-notch goal-kicker in the Test arena.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Halfpenny

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14 George North v Anthony Watson

Anthony Watson squeezes between Dan Biggar (left) and George North to score

Apart from a fleeting glimpse in attack, against New Zealand in the opening Test last June, North has unfortunately been a shadow of the player he was in Australia with the Lions four years ago after suffering a string of head injuries.

Watson is a top all-round rugby player who has a history of finding his way to the try-line against Wales.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Watson

13 Jonathan Davies v Jonathan Joseph

Jonathan Joseph (left) and Jonathan Davies

Davies was another to shine wearing the Lions jersey but serious injury problems have set him back and niggles continue to be an issue, meaning Wales haven’t seen the centre at his best in recent times.

But they have certainly felt the force of Joseph because he, like Watson, has thrived against them.

11 Liam Williams v Jack Nowell

Exeter Chiefs ace Nowell is a solid defender and dangerous with the ball in hand. Williams was Wales’ player of the tour in New Zealand last June and had a big autumn. Some would like to see him at full-back but Wales reckon he’s more potent on the wing but with a brief to roam.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Williams

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10 Dan Biggar v George Ford

Dan Biggar charges down a kick by George Ford

Although there’s a debate whether Wales would be a more dangerous and better attacking team with young pretender Sam Davies at No.10 the reality is Biggar is the man in possession and is a far more reliable operator than fickle England outside-half Ford, who blows hot and cold.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Biggar

9 Rhys Webb v Ben Youngs

Ben Youngs scores for England last May despite the attention of Rhys Webb

There’s certainly some tough calls when it comes to selection in a composite Wales-England side and this is another which could go either way.

The injury-plagued Webb is a class operator but 2013 Lion Youngs has been in the form of his career at scrum-half and was superb during the autumn campaign.

2 Ken Owens v Dylan Hartley

Explosive England skipper Hartley returns from the latest suspension of his career, incurred for laying out Sean O’Brien with a wild swinging arm to the head, and will have to be on his best behaviour at hooker against Wales ball-carrier Owens.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Hartley

3 Samson Lee v Dan Cole

England's Dan Cole

It’s been great to see strongman Samson getting back to near his best with some super-charged displays for the Scarlets, at the scrum and in the loose.

Cole is hugely experienced and effective competing for the ball although he is prone to conceding penalties.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Cole

4 Luke Charteris v Maro Itoje

Dan Biggar and Scott Baldwin fail to stop Maro Itoje

Although Jake Ball has been a form lock in the Welsh regional game, it’s likely coach Rob Howley will reward autumn performances for Wales.

Itoje could yet figure at blindside flanker but is also a sensation at lock with his athletism, dynamism, skill and power.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Itoje

5 Alun Wyn Jones v George Kruis

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Here’s another tight call because Kruis was superb at the line-out and in the loose for England during last year’s unbeaten run.

But the expertise, extra experience and leadership qualities of new Wales skipper Jones cannot be under-valued.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Jones

6 Sam Warburton v James Haskell

James Haskell (left) and Sam Warburton

It’s not clear whether former Wales skipper Warburton or Haskell, who is fighting a fitness battle, will start or, if they do, both be at blindside flanker.

Haskell always seems to deliver against Wales while Warburton has had some big games against the Red Rose.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Warburton

7 Justin Tipuric v Tom Wood

Wales' Justin Tipuric has a coming together with Alex Goode (Image: Getty Images)

Northampton rock Wood was recalled by England boss Eddie Jones for the autumn campaign and didn’t let him down. His displays at openside could see Haskell, if fit, return to blindside.

There’s not many better all-round rugby players and consistent performers than Tipuric.

Andy Howell’s verdict: Tipuric

8 Taulupe Faletau v Nathan Hughes

Taulupe Faletau of Wales celebrates scoring (Image: Getty Images)

I’m assuming Wales colossus Faletau will be fit following his latest knee injury and be picked.

He wouldn’t be facing his cousin Billy Vunipola, who is injured, but another import from the Pacific islands in Fiji-born No.8 Hughes.